When the meeting opened, moderator Frank Hairston made it clear that neither the previous forum at Kent Roosevelt High School on March 15 nor the one held yesterday at the Kent Free Library would bring an end to racism in the community —ÿbut it’s a start.

“We believe we have to start a dialogue,” Hairston said. “This has to be a collaborative effort.”

After the introduction, the leaders of the meeting introduced five different sections for small group discussions on race and what they hope to achieve. Sections included:

• A media committee to balance community coverage.
• A parents committee to encourage children’s education and careers.
• A community committee to strengthen relationships between leaders and citizens.
• A youth forum committee to develop systems of communication among young people.
• A police community relations committee to improve the relationship and communication of the police with citizens.

Additional goals for each committee were also listed, as well as smaller focus areas.

The dialogue then focused on the reason it began in the first place — racist graffiti being spray-painted on the inside of Theodore Roosevelt High School’s walls. Principal Roger Sidoti expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of all races as well as addressing important concerns within the black community.

“We need to figure out how to make sure this doesn’t happen again instead of using this as an excuse,” Sidoti said.

Sidoti said the school is working to bring races together and encourage unity.

“We brag about our diversity. That’s a hallmark of our school,” he said.

But with diversity, Sidoti said, comes responsibility. He said the school was implementing a diversity day as well as trying to educate young teachers about the school’s different cultures.

“We need to help them understand how to deal with such a diverse population,” he said.

Sidoti also proudly announced Theodore Roosevelt High School was nominated as one of the top 10 high schools in the country.

“It came in one of the darkest moments in Roosevelt’s history,” he said.

After the floor was opened up, the community responded with suggestions on how to improve the racial divide in the community.

Robin Turner, 51, a Kent resident and graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School, said the way the school handled the graffiti situation was commendable.

“We’re all very appreciative of that, as a member of the black community,” he said.

But he acknowledged that although a dialogue like this was a progressive move, it might not be reaching its full potential.

“(The people attending the dialogue) are not the people that spray painted racial epithets on a wall.”

He said many people may not attend these meetings because they feel uncomfortable and called for people to look for a way to get rid of the racial stigmas.

“How do we get people to not feel alienated?” he said.

Ravenna resident Gene Brown brought to light some solutions to improve the educational process for both blacks and whites.

Brown called for a serious commitment from school boards, adding that funds need to be allocated to prove it.

“If a school board is sincere, they’ll commit some funds,” he said.

To address complaints that there are not enough minorities teaching, Brown suggested they be sought out so they can get the ones who are looking for jobs.

“You have to make a case that you need this,” he said.

Brown also suggested that the university step up its role in race relations.

“The university has a responsibility more than it thinks it does. It has a social responsibility.”

Brown said he also hopes schools don’t focus on just education for minorities.

“It’s important for white kids to learn about black folks,” he said. “It’s all about ignorance —ÿbut what I mean is a lack of knowledge.”

Contact reporting public affairs reporter Andrew Gaug at [email protected].